Traditional shared finances between couples face mounting rejection, with new research revealing nearly half now consider joint bank accounts outdated.
Research from digital wealth manager Moneyfarm found that 44 per cent of Britons regard these once-standard arrangements as antiquated.
The findings highlight wider concerns about financial equality within relationships.
A substantial 43 per cent believe joint accounts represent a method of controlling women's finances through sexist practices.
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Younger generations show the greatest resistance to financial merging.
Among Britons under 30 in committed relationships, almost one-third refuse to open shared accounts.
The shift marks a significant departure from previous generations' practices.
Where married couples once routinely combined their finances, modern partnerships increasingly favour separation.
The research suggests British couples now prioritise financial autonomy over traditional pooling of resources.
This trend reflects changing attitudes to money management, challenging long-established conventions about marital finances.
Financial secrecy also plays a major role.
Joint finances are falling out of favour, with new research showing nearly half of couples now view shared bank accounts as outdated
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Nearly half of couples admit to maintaining secret savings accounts unknown to their partners, with hidden funds averaging £19,600.
One quarter conceal salary increases from partners, keeping the additional income for themselves, and 15 per cent deliberately understate their earnings to preserve greater spending freedom.
Partners clash over money an average of 13 times a month, according to the study - with almost a third acknowledging that financial secrecy damages their relationships.
Despite recognising the harm, one in 10 admit to hiding receipts from purchases.
One in 10 people admit to hiding receipts from purchases, despite acknowledging the potential harm it causes
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Meanwhile, 38 per cent make major financial choices without consulting their partners.
Multiple motivations drive the move away from shared accounts.
Financial independence motivates 32 per cent, while 29 per cent say their spending is none of their partner’s business.
Thirteen per cent cite poor credit ratings or debt as barriers to merging finances, while 20 per cent point to a partner’s excessive spending.
Trust issues influence decisions too.
Eleven per cent prefer to keep their wealth private from partners.
Separate research from TSB found that 9 per cent of those banking independently explicitly distrust their partners with money.
Nearly one quarter of couples without joint accounts feel uncomfortable revealing spending patterns, savings or income.
Ten per cent maintain emergency funds specifically for potential relationship breakdowns, with a further 18 per cent considering such preparations.
These motivations reflect broader shifts towards financial security as a form of protection within relationships.
Alternative findings present a more nuanced picture.
TSB reported that while 88 per cent of those in relationships maintain some level of financial independence, most have not abandoned joint accounts entirely.
Three-fifths of couples share household finances through joint accounts, though 80 per cent of these also keep individual accounts.
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Only one in eight couples fully merge all finances
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Only one in eight couples fully merge all finances.
Chris Rudden, head of investment consultants at Moneyfarm, said: "It's interesting that so many couples are turning away from joint bank accounts which were once seen as a symbol of unity and trust."
He warned that financial independence should not come at the expense of honesty.
"Financial secrecy is a red flag that undermines trust and can be deeply damaging to relationships," Mr Rudden said.
Despite varied approaches, 92 per cent of couples believe their financial arrangements are fair.
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